Saudi Gazette MANILA — The surprising Mahindra Enforcers continued their giant-killing spree, downing the previously undefeated TNT KaTropa, 107-104, in the PBA Governors' Cup Friday night. The win enabled the Enforcers to secure their first-ever post-season appearance in the league as they grabbed the solo second spot in the standings with their 6-2 win-loss record. Despite the loss, TNT remained at the top of the leaderboard with its 6-1 card and likewise booked a ticket to the quarterfinals, which will comprise the top eight teams, with the top 2 finishers getting a twice-to-beat advantage. The Enforcers surprisingly led all the way, even by as many as 10 points. They also showed steely nerves as they were able to repulse wave after wave of TNT counterattacks up to the endgame. Young and talented import James White paced Mahindra anew with 24 points, 10 boards, three blocks, three assists, and two steals in 40 minutes of playing time. His slam off an alley-oop feed from LA Revilla late in the game provided the exclamation mark to his team's victory. He had plenty of local support with four other Enforcers scoring in double digits—Paolo Taha with 15, KG Canaleta 13, Revilla 12 and Mike Digregorio 11. Jayson Castro led TNT with 33 points, 16 of them in the final quarter. Import Mychal Ammons added 20 points while Larry Fonacier and Troy Rosario chipped in 13 and 11 markers, respectively. Phoenix 95, NLEX 91 The resurgent Phoenix Petroleum Fuel Masters defeated the NLEX Road Warriors, 95-91, in overtime to book their third win in seven games, good for solo seventh place in the rankings. Import Eugene Phelps dished out another monster game, finishing with 29 points and 26 rebounds for Phoenix. Cyrus Baguio added 10 markers while Willy Wilson, Ronjay Buenafe and Josh Urbiztondo chipped in 9 markers apiece. NLEX absorbed its fifth loss in eight outings, slipping from No. 7 to No. 8 in the team standings. Henry Walker led the Road Warriors with 23 points and 11 rebounds, Kevin Alas added 16 markers while Asi Taulava and Mac Baracael chipped in 12 and 11 points, respectively. New SMB import Former Barako Bull import Mike Singletary arrived Friday morning to take over the spot left by injured San Miguel Beer import Arizona Reid. Singletary last saw action for the Philippines-Mighty Sports team that won the gold medal in the William Jones Cup tournament last month. Game Saturday: Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (3-3) vs. GlobalPort Batang Pier (2-4).
